Sunday, December 15, 2024

Monday Morning Memo 12/16/24---Five Days to Go!!!!

 

  


                                              



The December Wellness Challenge is linked here. I changed it up a little bit for this month, but I'm guessing you'll still see the 4 domains of wellness reflected!
You'll have until we come back from break to work on this challenge, and I'll share a new one in the Monday Memo for January 6!



Paste the URL below into your browser:

For Primary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/439p

For Secondary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/439s



 






December Focus--Awareness Routines
This Week's Wellness Invitation: Share Pleasant Experiences
Notice how often you share strong, pleasant emotions such as happiness, joy, and tenderness with others this week. Be intentional about validating and celebrating other people! 



Thank you Mr.Russ for raising the tables in our class for our growing boys! 

Thanks Colleen for taking the boys to library time so I could get some things done in the classroom. 

Thank you Kelly for the yummy Chocolate.
-Sherry Tietjen--Special Education Teacher at Lotus



Sonia - always brainstorming ideas for a positive environment for the cafeteria

Nicole and Ellie- helping navigate many moving parts with family situations this week 
-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal  at Lotus

Thank you, Sonia, for helping to come up with a possible solution to our third grade lunchroom 
-Cheryl Schuck-Paraprofessional at Lotus


Thank you to Amber M for helping me create visual schedules using her amazing format. My students have been loving the visual schedules are in place for our group, and I am so thankful that you shared your resources so students can have access to the same visuals in various areas around school. You have the best heart! Thank you!

Thank you to Eddie and Russ for cleaning our classroom rug. Russ, I also appreciate how you cleaned underneath the rug and made sure the rug was squeaky clean for our students. I appreciate the both of you! 

Thank you to Fiona, Erica and Calista for subbing for me during meetings and times I have been out of the classroom. Knowing my students are with amazing educators made it easier to step away. I appreciate all of you.

Thank you to Sammi, Stephanie and Kim R for working as a team to create a new gross motor and fine motor skills group for my students in the ECSE classroom. Working as a team and sharing ideas is a beautiful way to work as One Team, All In. You all are so amazing! 

Thank you to my amazing Paraprofessional staff, Lumi, Mary, Mandi and Monica. I have an endless to-do list, and you always assist me and tackle it head on. I appreciate your help every single day, and I am so thankful for the laughter and smiles we have while doing so. Thank you for helping get our glass ready for a new student by creating endless materials. 

Thank you to Don for getting me allergy friendly gloves. I appreciate you going back and forth to get the gloves that I needed in my classroom setting. Thank you!

Thank you Ms. Lumi for creating amazing activities and FOOD to go with our Holidays around the world unit. It was so fun to learn about your home country of Romania! I appreciate how you put your heart in all that you do! 

Erin Donovan--Special Education Teacher at Lotus


HUGE thank you to Cary Scarpino for taking the time to help one of my club students track down his jacket! 

Michelle Magness, your thoughtful effort to find gym shoes for a student in need, especially one facing language barriers, is beyond amazing. Thank you for going the extra mile to make a difference!

Matt Peters, thank you for resetting our bowling lanes after the choir concert! It was such an unexpected and generous gesture, and it’s deeply appreciated!

Amber Mysliwiec--PE Teacher at Lotus

Thank you Chris Brown for switching bus days with me so I could hold a last minute practice for cheer at Stanton last week!! 

Thank you to all the staff who came to watch the cheerleaders perform at our final practice last week before competition day!! They were so excited to show you their performance and hear you cheer them on! ðŸ¤©

Thank you Mark Perlman for always cheering on the girls. They loved the jolly ranchers after every game we cheered for! 

Special shout out to Georgette and kitchen staff at Stanton for organizing and putting together little snack/treat bags for our cheerleaders on competition day!! They even included a small note of encouragement in each bag. Thank you for your thoughtful words of encouragement to them all! ðŸ¥°

Thank you so much to Calista Warmowski for helping to braid the girls hair for competion day!! They all looked great and were pumped to rock those mats!! ðŸ¤©

Thank you to Oner Medrano for coming to watch the cheerleaders at our competition at Park Campus on Thursday night!! The girls were so excited for you to be there!! ðŸ¤—

Thank you to everyone else who has helped us all along the way this season! From taking pictures, videos, altering uniforms, and all the moral support!! I’m so grateful to have an amazing village to work with. I’m so proud to say our amazing team took 2nd place in our first ever conference competition!! ♥️

-Gina Crosthwaite--Paraprofessional at Lotus


Kudos to Mr. Shannon for welcoming in my students who graduated from pull-out ELA into general education ELA. He has welcomed them without any hesitation and allowed the students to flourish on their own, yet supported as needed. The adjustment was flawless and we are seeing great educational and social emotional growth.

Kudos to Mrs. Husko for making me laugh Wednesday during the brain break-out games.  I really hope they figured out what color the white house is across the street!

Kudos, as always, to the "family-like" 8th grade team.  2024 has been a blast with a ton of funny memories. I look forward to 2025!
-Lisa Zabratanski--Special Education Teacher at Stanton 



To the ELF in CHARGE; Sue Pinkawa, for Always sharing her candy, and for completing her job in unbearable elements.

To Erin Donovan for being so incredibly GRACIOUS and making time to provide much needed information and resources!!!

Happy Holidays to one and all.  May you be surrounded by everyone and everything which brings you the utmost Happiness and Joy!!  Enjoy your Winter Break.
-Jackie Gorden-Platek--Special Education Teacher at Lotus


Gina Crosthwaite – Thank you for going above and beyond to help with a special project!

Russ Xhemaili and Eddie Villareal – Thank you for your hard work in setting up the gym for the choir concert. Your efforts made the event possible.

Kent Jorgensen and Tim Douglas – A big thank you for taking everything down after the concert. Your support is truly appreciated!

Erin Connelly Jordt and Liz Plemmons – What an amazing choir concert! Thank you for your dedication and talent in putting on such a memorable event.

Sonia Miller – Thank you for organizing a special event this coming Friday to make the day extra special for everyone.

Amber Mysliwiec and Jillian Kilty – A heartfelt thank you for being so flexible with your gym space amidst all the activities.
-Matt Peters--Principal at Stanton


Huge shout out to Matt Peters for putting our bowling lanes back out after the Choir concert after school. We really appreciated this! 
-Jillian Kilty and Amber  Mysliwiec--PE Teachers at Lotus


The 6th grade team for their honesty and great support during a problem solving meeting. Also for great participation throwing the kids off last week during underground spirit week. 

Renee Evans for subbing for my flex class so that I could attend a meeting. 

Hunter Banker for always making my copies and for his help during my 5B class. 

Al for the delicious soup on Friday! Thank you!! 
-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher


Thank you to Amber M. and Jillian K. For thinking outside of the box and making an amazing bowling ramp for a student so they could more easily participate in P.E.!!! 
-Allie Mixson--Special Education Coordinator 


Big thanks to Russell for everything this week while subbing in my room and prek as a whole! You have jumped right in to everything and we are all so appreciative!! 

Thanks to Sharon and Addison for your love and collaboration with my friends; I truly appreciate how we really are one team, all in! 
-Ben Landmesser--PreK Teacher


Thank you to Jeff Sefcik, Jill Becmer, Michele Burgess, Mollie Crow for running the first night of the boys 7th grade tournament!

Thank you to Kaitlyn Goorsky, Marla Walinski, Mark Perlman, and Oner Medrano for coaching the boys basketball teams this year. Thank you to Leah Falster and Connor Macko for supporting the team.

Thank you to Gina Crosthwaite for coaching the cheer team. They won 2nd place in the competition on Friday!
-Rachelle Peters--Assistant Principal at Lotus


I would like to thank Gina Crosthwaite for doing all the prep for our SEL lessons that we do after break. It was no small feat! You are the best!
❤️ Cary Scarpino--1st Grade Teacher



Thank you to...
Rachelle Peters, Natalie Udstuen, and Cheryl Carroll for making the Shop with a Cop event happen on Thursday night! 

Our National Board of Certified Teachers cohort on finishing Year 1 and working to complete the program with Year 2!!!! SO proud of you! More info to come for others interested in forming a cohort!

Matt Peters for graduating with your EdS degree!!!!

To the entire team at Stanton who met to create a Behavior Support Plan for a Stanton 8th grader. I know it was pretty intense, but please know that was a reflection of our shared commitment to support this student. 

To the 6th grade team for the coaching call with Kathy Hart on Friday to help figure out what's missing from our current systems and for your willingness to let me join in the process. Thanks to 7th grade for covering for 6th grade during Flex! 

Thanks to Andrea for always making fliers for me (and dealing with my neurotic edits). 

Thanks to Allie, Natalie, and Rachelle for baking for our cookie events and to Jeff for NOT cooking and donating toward the cause instead. 😂

From Heather 🧡💛🖤



Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!



 

Please know that some kids will show their worst selves this week because breaks from school can mean...
-A lack of safety
-No routine
-Instability of food
-Worries
-Stress
Just because we are excited about break doesn't mean our students are. Thanks in advance for showing the kids the TLC you do EVERY day! 



Holiday Fun
Mark your calendars!!!

Please remember...Lotus paras, administrators will ride the buses on Friday afternoon so you can leave at dismissal! 

Lotus Spirit Week



Craft and Cookies with Heather
Lotus--Monday, December 16 during lunches
Stanton--Stanton, December 17  during lunches



Holiday Lunch--Thursday, December 19


Holiday TLC
The holidays can be a difficult time for some. The EAP is typically a great place to start when you need care and aren’t sure what support you or a family member might be needing. They can guide you to specific care and even set 
up the appointment for you. Take advantage of this confidential and supportive service to address any 
personal or work-related challenges you may be facing by calling Perspectives at 800.456.6327.



Know Anyone Who...
If you know anyone who would be interested in being a Van Driver, Sub Van Driver, or Bus Driver, please have them reach out! We can TRAIN bus drivers ourselves if they don't have a CDL, and van drivers don't need the CDL!!! 



IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID...UPDATED INFO!!! (9/3/24)

Please:
1. Email or text (847-309-3921) Heather to let her know. 
2. In the communication, include proof of a positive test. 

You are expected to return to work as soon as you meet  the following criteria:
• Be free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication) 
• Be free of vomiting and or diarrhea for at least 24 hours. 

You are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a mask upon your return to prevent the spread of illness to others. Please alert me as to your date of return. 

Any days out are sick days. If you are out more than 3 days--as with any illness--a physician's note is required. 

Masks are available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one. 

Please let me know if you have any questions!



Happy Monday, District 114!

We'd like to wish all our families and staff a wonderful winter break and the happiest of holidays!!

Mark your calendars for the first PTA meeting of the new year: Monday, January 13th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library

Don't have anyone to watch your kiddos? Bring them with you! Members of the National Junior Honor Society from Stanton will be with us to keep them entertained while you get caught up on what's happening this month. 

Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to see the meeting highlights and more, and while you're at it, join the PTA here! Membership dues are only $6 for the whole year!

YOUR PTA Board





Key 2024-25 Dates

February 22
Family Fun Fair (Lotus)

April 22
Day of Service
We'll be forming a committee of parents and staff to plan this event for the SPRING of 2025

May 2
Rocket Launch (Stanton)
Possible Star Wars Theme
Rain date May 9





*EAFL Spirit Day will be on Tuesday, December 17. Wear your EAFL shirt and then join us at the Board Meeting at 7 PM.

**Don't forget about your NEA no cost benefits!  To check them out, you should go to Deals and Discounts: www.neamb.com/start

*Additional benefits and deals can be found at ieanea.org

Region News:

Want to know what is happening in the Region? Check out the Region 49 Newsletter!

 **Get your SCORE GRANT applications in!! Grants for up to $1,000 are available for IEA members and their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service or school projects  APPLY HERE

PD Calendar:  Take a look at all the PD trainings we lined up here at IEA by clicking here :  The IEA is an ISBE approved provider for Professional Development Clock Hours.  Clock hours are offered at trainings that meet the PD requirements set by ISBE.  Events on the calendar are hosted by IEA or vetted by IEA

Burroughs Education Scholarship - $2,500

Applicants must be graduating seniors heading to college and have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee. Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, character, career goals, and potential. Learn more and apply by Jan. 31Share the flier.


IEA awards are presented each year at the IEA Representative Assembly (RA) in the spring. Online nomination forms for all IEA awards can be found on the IEA website:
    • Student of the Year
    • Early Career Teacher of the Year
    • ESP of the Year
    • Retiree of the Year
    • Higher Education Advocate of the Year
    • Human and Civil Rights Award
    • Friend of Education Award

Nomination deadline is Dec. 15 for ALL IEA Awards



December 17--Board of Education Meeting at Lotus 7PM or via Meet
December 20--Early Release to kick off Winter Break
December 23-January 3--Winter Break
January 6--Welcome back to school!




Newest info added at the top...not organized by date! 











2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--work in progress











    

Heather 🧡

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Monday Morning Memo 12/9/24

 

  

                                              



The December Wellness Challenge is linked here. I changed it up a little bit for this month, but I'm guessing you'll still see the 4 domains of wellness reflected!

The November Challenge winners are...
Mollie Crow
Dayja Wydzierzecki
and
Haley Baum

Let me know your gift card of choice, please! 



Paste the URL below into your browser:

For Primary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/439p

For Secondary, use: https://www.edtomorrow.com/439s



 













December Focus--Awareness Routines
This Week's Wellness Invitation: Monitor Emotional Responses
Monitor you emotional responses to unpleasant emotions you experience or that others direct toward you this week (including students). Unpleasant emotions include sadness, fear, anxiety, irritation, or anger. 



Abbey Kadera- helping translate last minute for a family in need of support, thank you for always being there for our families!
-Natalie Udstuen--Assistant Principal at Lotus


Kudos to Stephanie Thiel for being a great support and providing so much expertise!  You make the Resource Team stronger!  Happy Birthday on Saturday!
-Karen McMurphy-Special Education Teacher at Lotus

To Stephanie Thiel for taking time to test my student in a small group for our SFA last minute.
-Stephanie Kolk--4th Grade Teacher


Shoutout to Amber and Jillian. I internal subbed while you were at your conference and all the routines, structure, and expectations you set in place for your class is so evident. Things are able to run so smoothly because of all the work you put in. 

Shoutout to Sarah for doing a fabulous job at leading PE for them while they were gone! 

Big thanks to Erica for your "gift of time" and making it so productive and using it as a safety re-teach opportunity! 

-Emily Reczek--2nd Grade Teacher


Hi Heather!  I'd like to give a big kudos to Amber Raymond here at Stanton.  She went above and beyond to help me with my formal observation (in her classroom with her Life Hacks class - a tricky situation to be in for a sub!) and it wouldn't have gone as well as it did without her help and support!  Thanks, Amber!  :)
-Liz Plemmons--Permanent Sub at Stanton


Sammie G for her Caring and Nurturing Demeanor
Sarah G for her easy going approach
Chris Brown and Cheryl Schuck for helping organize the classroom.
Erica Barraza for continually assisting with curriculum enhancements!!
Thank YOU, for all you do!!
-Jackie Gorden-Platek--Special Education Teacher at Lotus


I would like to return a shoutout to my EL compadre, Kim Leable.  Thank you for keeping our EL department running like a well-oiled machine.  I so appreciate all that you do behind the scenes.  Thank you for planning ALL of our EL PT conferences this year, which was like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle.  Thank you for keeping track of dates, deadlines, and always being willing to help and share resources and support.  I appreciate what you do every day that makes my life so much easier!
-Abbey Kadera--Bilingual Teacher at Lotus


I would like to send out Kudos to Mike for always being there for when I am out of ideas on how to solve an issue, I also would like to send a Kudos to Clayton Walker for taking on his role head-on and really building respect and relationships with the students among the building. 
-Adam Schaefer--Tech Coordinator at Stanton


Big thanks to Addison for always checking in with our little friend and being an integral part of her plan. 
-Ben Landmesser--PreK Teacher


I’d like to thank Coach Carvell for sharing his practice space with me on Thursday so our cheerleaders could also have a place to practice on our mats for stunting, in preparation for our competition next week! It was greatly appreciated! 
-Gina Crosthwaite & the Stanton Cheer team


A huge congratulations to Matt and Natalie for being honored with the Physical Educator Administrator of the Year award! Your commitment to supporting daily physical education is truly inspiring, and it was such a privilege to celebrate your well-deserved recognition in Tinley Park. I’m incredibly grateful to work with such dedicated and encouraging leaders. It was a night I’ll always remember!




Thank you to Sarah Gallivan for stepping in and teaching our classes while we attended our conference. We’ve heard nothing but glowing feedback—you were absolutely in your element and did an amazing job! You are amazing!

Amber Mysliwiec--PE Teacher at Lotus


Thank you to those paras who were able to ride a bus when we were short staffed. You are amazing paras and you are much appreciated!

Cheryl Schuck--Paraprofessional at Lotus

Kudos to everyone who made Santa's Breakfast possible again this year!  It is always such an amazing district event.

Maureen DeVoss--2nd Grade Teacher


Thank you to our Amazing Kindergarten Team at Lotus! They have welcomed me to their hallway and cheer on my students with respect and enthusiasm. This gives their students the best example of how to interact and be welcoming to all different kinds of  friends. Real relationships have formed. It is truly a beautiful sight to see. A special thanks to Ashley Wydra who has basically adopted us on days where there is indoor recess. What started as outdoor recess buddies  has moved into greetings in the hallway has now also moved into another classroom sharing materials and laughter and joy. I am so thankful and the families of my students are so thankful  and excited their children are getting these opportunities. Nicole, Donna, Sami and Ashley... you are all wonderful teachers with fantastic hearts! Thank you for your warmth and kindness to me and my students. 



Thank you to Kristine Gumm and Hayley Baum for the support you give me on a daily basis and the detective skills that you have acquired while helping to solve the case of  the mystery of how to help soothe a student who gets frustrated without the instruction booklet. We have amazing strategies from our therapists in different areas who see us each week like Ellie and Fiona and Stephanie and Sammie. Thank you to all of you who help put together pieces of the puzzle that allow us to support our students when you are not there as well. It is very emotional for the staff when we want to help a student and the best or fastest way is not clear. So again, I want to thank everyone who works with my class but especially Haley and Kristine for being brave and consistent and lovely and smart and encouraging while carrying all that off with grace and a sense of humor. Our students are so lucky to have you two wise women in their corner! 

💗 from Pam Enright--Special Education Teacher at Lotus School 


Thank you to everyone who subbed in the preschool classrooms so that we could attend the Florence Fischer Luncheon.  Thank you to admin for inviting us to this event and for all that you did so we could relax and celebrate the completion of the state audit.  It was greatly appreciated!
-Michelle Magness--PreK Teacher and PreK Parent Coordinator at Lotus


Kudos to Kim Husko for making her famous pancakes for my Community Building class, who earned a Courageous Classroom celebration. 
-Katy Gardner--6th Grade Math Teacher (and amazing question asker! 😊)


HUGE kudos to Sue and Al Giandonato, first and last on the Santa’s Breakfast scene!!! Thank you for ALL you do for our District and our kids- we SO appreciate you!! 
-Erin Donovan--Special Education Teacher at Lotus


HUGE THANKYOU to Michelle Magness for subbing in my room and role playing with my students for welcoming our new friend. You are so wonderful for taking the time to do that and helping it be a smooth transition. 

Megan and Adi we absolutely LOVE having you in our classroom and the kids do so well with you. It is so touching watching you interact with the kids and pushing them to succeed! You have built such loving and trusting relationships with them ❤️

Thank you Cheryl Schuck and Chris Brown for continuing to work so hard and with such ease with our shared students in gen Ed. Know that you are appreciated!  

Mike the greatest tech ever for always helping me last minute and making sure programs and devices are set up. You are appreciated. 

Thank you to Allie and Matt for helping make our new students transition so smooth. I'm thankful for your support and help especially with aiding in breaks! 

Sherry and Colleen you are just amazing in so many ways in every aspect. You are always helping with either school or personal life and I am thankful for you ❤️

Jackie G that's for the transportation to basketball practice the other day! It was so helpful and such a joy to have someone like you offer help when needed! 

I can't say thank you enough to my amazing paras that put up with me every single day! I run a tight ship and I couldn't do it without you. You both have so much knowledge and such big hearts. Our students are so successful because of you! You continue to provide structure with vigilance and compassion. You provide ideas and supports that are highly needed and successful in so many ways. I am beyond thankful to work with you both each day! Misty and Courtney you truly are a blessing! 

Brittany Luther thank you for taking time to help build our winter wonderland ❤️ 

1st grade team and Gina, thanks you for the continuous teamwork and sharing all resources. This year has been amazingly smooth with all your support and guidance! The copies you make Gina and Cary are so helpful! 

Thank you to my students who teach me something new everyday. They all have such unique qualities and contributions to our classroom that strive me to be a better teacher every day. I appreciate their presence, efforts, and contribution to our classroom and community. You are loved. ❤️
-Ashley Arff-Special Education Teacher at Lotus


Kudos to the newest addition to our transportation team Alexis Nelson and Big Hollow driver Jessica for teaming up last minute to run routes for us on Friday afternoon.  Jessica finished her Big Hollow route and drove right over and met Alexis who helped her navigate the routes. They were able to get our kids home safely and on time!  Amazing!!!!
Andrea De Matteo--Operations Coordinator


Sonia, Penny, Hilda, and Yesenia for always making lunch a little smoother for our kids.

Sherry Tietjen for bringing me a McDonald's diet coke when they gave me a dr. pepper (IYKYK).

Russell for joining our team and jumping in with both feet. It's nice to have more male influences for our kids.

Gayle McManamon for always having a listening ear and giving me positive feedback.
-Colleen Robinson--Paraprofessional at Lotus


Just want to shout out Marla W for always being willing to talk books with me. Puts a smile on my face. Thanks for subbing during my IEP meeting this week. 
Shout out to the 6th grade team for always bouncing ideas off each other and just being there to support one another. 
-Dayja Wydzierzecki--6th Grade ELA Teacher


Matt Shannon- Thank you for offering/giving me a break during one of my class periods. 

Hunter Banker- Thank you for all you do for the 6th grade team and for always printing for me. 

Natalie Molidor-  Thank you for the birthday lunch on Wednesday! I enjoyed it! :)

Connor Macko- Thank you for helping teach Pearl Harbor on Friday during class. The kids loved when you were teaching!

Katie Jalove Filippelli - HUGE shout out to you for everything you have done. Thank you for stepping up and helping out and becoming a part of the team! I appreciate everything that you are doing and have done! 

- Kaitlyn Goorsky--6th Grade Social Studies Teacher 

Cheryl Shuck for riding the bus for me on Friday. 

Kelly Roland for the kind gift and the heart to heart talk. 
-Misty Madula---Paraprofessional at Lotus






Thank you to...
Everyone who covered for the PreK team so they could attend the Florence Fischer lunch on Thursday. 
Oh, my heart!!!! Everyone who helped in any way with Santa's Breakfast on Saturday. What an amazing event for our community! A special shout out for Bryan Bailey (Santa), Mark Perlman (Elf), Amber Mysliwiec, and Sue and Al Giandonato for all the extra effort you put in for the event!

From Heather 🧡💛🖤



Please send me your kudos for colleagues each week! I'll happily post them in this section!



 

Just a reminder...there's a ton of research behind each of the Friz 5. It's an expectation that you are using these daily in instruction. Please reach out to me, your principals, or your Instruction Coach if you need help embedding these into your practice! 



Holiday Fun
Mark your calendars!!!

Craft and Cookies with Heather
Lotus--Monday, December 16 during lunches
Stanton--Stanton, December 17  during lunches

Holiday Lunch--Thursday, December 19



Stanton Underground Spirit Week
Please check this link for events by team! 



Know Anyone Who...
If you know anyone who would be interested in being a Van Driver, Sub Van Driver, or Bus Driver, please have them reach out! We can TRAIN bus drivers ourselves if they don't have a CDL, and van drivers don't need the CDL!!! 



IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID...UPDATED INFO!!! (9/3/24)

Please:
1. Email or text (847-309-3921) Heather to let her know. 
2. In the communication, include proof of a positive test. 

You are expected to return to work as soon as you meet  the following criteria:
• Be free of fever for at least 24 hours (without medication) 
• Be free of vomiting and or diarrhea for at least 24 hours. 

You are STRONGLY encouraged to wear a mask upon your return to prevent the spread of illness to others. Please alert me as to your date of return. 

Any days out are sick days. If you are out more than 3 days--as with any illness--a physician's note is required. 

Masks are available in the office for all staff who wish to wear one. 

Please let me know if you have any questions!



Happy Monday, District 114!

Thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend for Santa's Breakfast! It was so wonderful to see so many families, teachers, and staff in attendance. We hope everyone had a truly jolly good time!!

Our next PTA meeting is TODAY, Monday, December 9th at 6:00 pm in the Lotus library! Don't have anyone to watch your kiddos? Bring them with you! Members of the National Junior Honor Society from Stanton will be with us to keep them entertained while you get caught up on what's happening this month. Can't join in person? Join us on Google Meets

Along with sharing our routine updates, we'll also be looking for your thoughts on the upcoming Family Fun Fair and our big fundraiser of the year, Day of Service!

Don't forget to join our Facebook group to see the meeting highlights and more, and while you're at it, join the PTA here! Membership dues are only $6 for the whole year!

YOUR PTA Board




Key 2024-25 Dates

February 22
Family Fun Fair (Lotus)

April 22
Day of Service
We'll be forming a committee of parents and staff to plan this event for the SPRING of 2025

May 2
Rocket Launch (Stanton)
Possible Star Wars Theme
Rain date May 9





**Don't forget about your NEA no cost benefits!  To check them out, you should go to Deals and Discounts: www.neamb.com/start

*Additional benefits and deals can be found at ieanea.org

Region News:

Want to know what is happening in the Region? Check out the Region 49 Newsletter!

 **Get your SCORE GRANT applications in!! Grants for up to $1,000 are available for IEA members and their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service or school projects  APPLY HERE

Important Survey For Our Education Support Professionals (ESP) Members

We are conducting a brief survey to assess the mentoring and professional growth opportunities available to our Education Support Professionals (ESP) members within the school district and beyond. Your feedback is crucial in helping us better support and enhance our professional and leadership growth opportunities for ESPs. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.


UPCOMING TRAININGS/CONFERENCES:    please take a look below at the trainings being offered!!

**TRS PRESENTATION:   December 12th @ 5pm in the Libertyville Office  RSVP: (click here)


PD Calendar:  Take a look at all the PD trainings we lined up here at IEA by clicking here :  The IEA is an ISBE approved provider for Professional Development Clock Hours.  Clock hours are offered at trainings that meet the PD requirements set by ISBE.  Events on the calendar are hosted by IEA or vetted by IEA

Burroughs Education Scholarship - $2,500

Applicants must be graduating seniors heading to college and have at least one parent or legal guardian who is a school employee. Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, character, career goals, and potential. Learn more and apply by Jan. 31Share the flier.





December 17--Board of Education Meeting
December 20--Early Release to kick off Winter Break
December 23-January 3--Winter Break
January 6--Welcome back to school!




Newest info added at the top...not organized by date! 











2024-25 Early Release Plans--DRAFT--work in progress











    

Heather 🧡